Anita Bruzzese column: How you work shows your true colors

There's a reason you probably don't get along with some of your co-workers.

They're different from you.

And the boss likes it that way.

A boss who has employees who all think and act the same can find herself with a team that becomes fast friends but one that doesn't generate many innovative ideas.

That's why she may put in place someone who is good with details, someone who is a brash, big-talking idea person and someone who is highly competitive. So, while you may not like someone who is brash because you're more conservative and introverted, that's something you'll have to learn to live with if you want to stay in your job.

Career expert Shoya Zichy says the sooner you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your colleagues, the sooner you will be able to work in harmony with them because you appreciate what they have to offer. At the same time, learning to promote and use what you have to offer will help you better mesh with your polar opposite at work and deliver results a boss desires.

Zichy, author of "Personality Power: Discover Your Unique Profile - and Unlock Your Potential for Breakthrough Success," says we all have a dominant personality profile, and even a backup style, that helps ensure we're in the right job for us. She categorizes them into colors: gold, red, blue and green.

? Gold: This is 46 percent of the population. Employees with these strengths are good at organizing people and processes and are goal-oriented. Dentists and accountants fall into this category. Warren Buffett is considered a gold.

? Red: These people are action-oriented, spontaneous and focused on the now. Work has to be fun, and they are great at seizing opportunities and making things happen. Zichy says Bill Clinton falls into this category that is typical of about 27 percent of the population.

? Blue: If you're theoretical, always driven to acquire knowledge and are good at dealing with complex systems, you probably are a blue. Common professions include journalists. Hillary Clinton is considered a blue, as well as 10 percent of the population.

? Green: Empathetic, creative and expressive, about 17 percent of the population falls into this group. These employees are good at catalyzing others to their goals and communicate with eloquence. Those in advertising or human resources often fit this profile, as does ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer.

Zichy says her "Color Q" system is not intended to label people, and some will fit into more than one category.

She says she came up with the system after extensive evaluation of people and their strengths. She also takes into account whether a person is an introvert or extrovert when making recommendations on how to negotiate pay or deal with a boss.

If you're dealing with a blue colleague, it's best to limit chit-chat, stay professional and be brief and concise. It's a good idea to recognize the person's intellect and talk about the big picture, she says.

She also advises avoiding emotional appeals and using words like "feel" or "believe." It's better to ask what they think and appeal to their "sense of fairness and logic rather than diplomacy," she says. "Don't exaggerate or flatter."

To persuade a gold boss, demonstrate you're reliable and follow procedures. That means show up for a meeting on time and avoid any vague statements. Zichy suggests using words like "proven," "traditional" and "respected."

Managers with red employees will get the best results by talking face to face since emails and memos don't engage them. They need stimulation, fun and independence but will thrive on a crisis, Zichy says.

When determining your own color, Zichy says embrace it. Don't be shy about promoting your strengths to others, no matter the work culture or environment.

"If you work in a pretty crazy environment, you can say something about the fact that you're a good organizer and you're there to help keep them on track," she says. "Don't be afraid about stating your value."

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Anita Bruzzese column: How you work shows your true colors

There's a reason you probably don't get along with some of your co-workers.

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